Labor Ministry, ILO step up workplace safety drive to protect factory workers

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 13, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Labour Ministry, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched a new training programme to strengthen workplace safety and health management across enterprises and factories, officials said Thursday.

The “training of trainers” course on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Management Systems was organized by the National Institute of Labour under the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, with support from the ILO–Japan project.

Opening the programme, Undersecretary of State Lim Suyhong said the initiative aims to build the capacity of labour inspectors, occupational health officials and technical staff to better enforce safety standards in workplaces nationwide. “The goal is to promote safer working environments for workers across Cambodia,” he said.

Officials stressed that enhancing inspection skills is a priority for labour sector development and social protection. The ministry is also drafting a comprehensive OSH law to respond to evolving workplace safety needs.

Led by senior ILO expert Yuka Uchida, the two-day training covers risk assessment, hazard identification, reporting procedures and occupational disease monitoring.

The programme marks a step forward in Cambodia’s efforts to align workplace safety practices with international standards, protecting workers in its fast-growing industrial sector.